Resource: Olivia Y. v. Barbour

This class action lawsuit was brought on behalf of 3,000 foster children who are currently in the custody of the Mississippi Division of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) and the thousands more who are improperly diverted from the system. Plaintiffs allege that DFCS placed thousands of foster children in danger and at risk of harm, and has left many thousands more to fend for themselves in abusive and neglectful homes. Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983, plaintiffs brought equal protection, substantive due process, and procedural due process claims, as well as claims for violation of the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act.